seven primative selfbows

[mechanic]

Excellent write up MTN, thanks! I use the outter most growth ring on most of my bows to avoid that complication. I remove wood from the belly only. This is easy with hazel but often not possible with other woods.

[morfiend]

 Thx to both you guys!

  I watched Batty hammer on a nice plane iron to shape one of his bows and thought that I could accomplish the same thing with a belt sander. I do have several hand planes of assorted sizes including a spokeshave,did have a drawknife but it seems to have walked away. So I'm pretty sure at some point I'd like to go to the trouble of making a bow that way I thought I could take a few short cuts,afterall as you've both said I'll want to make a few of them.


  At this point it's a matter of going and getting some material to work with!



   

[mechanic]

Since making that tutorial I have invested in a spoke shave myself. Best tool ever! On the belly side you can save hours of tough rasping with the spoke shave. With a good hazel log I would want the thickness not to be much more than 4-6 inches. As there is no real distinction between sap and heart wood it is feasable to only remove wood from the belly and leave the back with the natural strength.